Member Articles

Create. Design new products, set-up partnerships or create a marketing campaign that will roll out following the slow cycle.

Plan. It seems easier to take time to think, plan and strategize when there are fewer day-to-day activities happening.

Update systems.  When fewer people are using the systems you have in place it's easier to transition to newer, better ones.  Some systems to review: credit card processing, database, newsletter provider and communications among your team.

Schedule doctor's appointments. I book all my annual doctor's appointments during my slow months.  Doing so keeps appointments from conflicting with my client call schedules and gives me more wriggle room around the appointment so I don't feel rushed to get back to the office.

Connect. Meeting friends for coffee or taking the time to have lunch with your spouse can be a luxury during a busy month, so plan some outings when you can.

Rejuvenate. Slow months can be the perfect time for you to get away because fewer clients will miss you.  I take two to three weeks off in December to spend quality time with my family in Colorado.  I find that during this time I can turn off my computer completely and enjoy really quality downtime to refresh my creative juices.

To offset the weeks without work, I offer clients the opportunity to pay upfront for the following year's sessions if they need more tax write-offs in the current year. Typically, two to three clients take advantage of this offer that helps to keep my December income balanced with other months.

No matter how you choose to use the extra time during slower months, make sure you do use it efficiently.  Time is a commodity for small business owners.